Well here we are on day 3 of the race. After a sound start night one saw us
fall back slowly through the fleet managing to find several large wind
holes. Day two started off reasonably promising only to find that we were
losing ground at a rapid rate. After some investigation we found the cause.
A quick drop of our spinnaker and a dive over the side revealed that our
folding propellor was in fact not folding! This was solved and we have been
going like a train ever since.
We managed to pick the right side of the tricky Messina Straits and carried
good wind and some current most of the way through. The light conditions
have suited us well and as we approached the spectacular volcano of
Stromboliwe were greeted not only with fantastic views of lava flows
erupting but off in excess of 20 boats just ahead.
As of an hour ago we crossed the stern of P42 (our other Global Yacht Racing
competitor) and we are clearly back up in the pack and chasing for the lead.
Time for some sleep as this light wind helming and trimming requires a lot
of concentration. The crew work with kite hoists, jibes and drops in these
light airs has been amazing and will I am sure stand us in good stead as we
continue around this stunning course.
Until next time...
Richard and Crew of EH01 / Gyrateclaie
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